NY DJJOY - MacCormick Secure Center

State Juvenile

Last Updated: March 24, 2025
Address
300 South Road, Brooktondale, NY 14817
Beds
39
County
Tompkins
Phone
607-539-7121
Fax
607-539-6588

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NY DJJOY - MacCormick Secure Center is for State Juvenile offenders have not been sentenced yet and are detained here until their case is heard.

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for State juvenile low facility.

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You can support your loved ones at NY DJJOY - MacCormick Secure Center on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 607-539-7121.

The NY DJJOY - MacCormick Secure Center is within the jurisdiction of the New York Department of Juvenile Justice located at 300 South Road, Brooktondale, NY.

The facility provides supervision of youth in a safe, secure and humane environment. Services for youth include education, mental health, substance abuse, and health care. Medical and mental health are contracted services. Educational services are funded by the New York Department of Education through local school districts.

A typical day in secure detention would involve hygiene, meals, school, structured physical and educational activities, and court appearance as scheduled. The average length of stay in secure state detention is approximately 60 days.

NY DJJOY - MacCormick Secure Center - Program Description

MacCormick Secure Center is located in the Shindagin Hollow State Forest, 15 miles east of the City of Ithaca. Youth are housed in three units connected to central classrooms and a dining and kitchen area. Each unit has a large communal area with individual bedrooms.

The youth served at MacCormick are male juvenile offenders who, while under the age of 16, committed certain violent felonies and were convicted and sentenced in adult criminal court. Depending upon the sentence, youth may remain in OCFS custody up to 21 years of age.

In addition, juvenile delinquents under the jurisdiction of the family court may also be placed at MacCormick if they have been reassigned or "fennered" from a Limited Secure facility for violent behavior. Juvenile delinquents may remain in OCFS custody up to the age of 18 depending on their placement order.

Counseling: Counseling is provided to each youth based upon his individual needs as assessed by the treatment team. Group counseling is conducted seven days a week utilizing a variety of cognitive methods, including: Aggression Replacement Training, Moral Recognition Therapy, Core Life Skills, Victim Awareness, and an HIV/AIDS core curriculum. Generalized education groups are offered for substance abuse using the Innervisions curriculum. Individual counseling is provided weekly by an assigned counselor, a mentor program, and with a mental health provider as needed.

Education: The facility provides educational programming for youth according to New York State Education Department requirements. The Committee on Special Education (CSE) addresses special education needs for classified students and Individual Education Programs (IEPs) are developed for students with disabilities. State assessments, including Regents Examinations and Regents Competency Tests, are also provided to eligible students. Qualifying youth may also enroll in the Alternative High School Education Programs and pursue a Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC). Opportunities involving collaboration with several community colleges may permit students to take some college coursework.

Academic and vocational courses are offered so students can earn credits which can be applied toward a high school diploma upon a student’s return to a community school. Students also complete a “portfolio,” which provides a summary of relevant documentation, outlines work history, any certifications earned, and experiences gained.

Vocational Opportunities: Instructors provide trade skills training in technology, computers, keyboarding, building and grounds maintenance and food service.

Health Services: Comprehensive health services are provided by licensed health professionals, including a physician and nurse practitioner. Registered nurses are on duty during day and evening shifts seven days a week.

Upon admission, each youth has a comprehensive health assessment and an initial plan of care is developed. Immunizations are brought up to date following current public health recommendations. Eye and dental services are also provided on site.

Nursing sick call occurs daily. Nurses refer health problems that cannot be addressed via routine nursing interventions to the nurse practitioner or physician. Health staff initiate or continue needed health services via scheduled follow-up appointments.

Health staff complete a discharge plan on transfer or release to address the medical and dental needs of each youth.

Mental Health: Mental health treatment is delivered by psychologists, licensed social workers or clinical nurses. Access to professional level care is available for all youth. Assessment services include mental health and substance abuse assessment, evaluation of sex offense treatment needs, psycho-educational evaluation and neuropsychological assessment. Treatment services include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), crisis evaluation and intervention, individual/group/family therapy, mental health treatment planning and mental health discharge planning. Facility clinicians facilitate psychiatric hospitalization, where needed, and are the facility liaisons to the hospital during the youth’s stay.

Recreational: The recreation program offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities. The outdoor area includes a basketball court, volleyball court and baseball field. The indoor area includes a gymnasium, game room, and exercise room. Leisure activities are also available in each of the living units. Youth participate in intramural sports activities throughout the year with the competition based on the season.

Religious Services: The religious program is a voluntary program that offers youth the opportunity to worship their faith. The services offered are based on the needs of the youth and coordinated by a community group of volunteers supported by a Chaplain.

Special Programs and Community Partnerships:

  • Community Involvement – MacCormick has an active Citizens Advisory Board composed of a group of local residents who provide resources and services to youth at the facility.
  • Cornell Pet Companions - A pet visitation program is sponsored by the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University. Cornell Companions is dedicated to the development of a bond between humans and animals. The group provides leadership through specific academic, vocational and experiential learning activities.
  • Volunteer Program - MacCormick welcomes volunteers at the facility. Volunteers provide a wide variety of services, including but not limited to helping prepare youths for their GED, tutoring and providing music education, etc.
  • Southern Tier Advocacy and Mitigation Project, Inc. – This program encourages self-respect, empowerment, leadership and self-determination among youth.

Pre-Release Orientation: Release planning begins at intake. The facility support team members work closely with residents, parents and community service team (CST) members to ensure that residents and their families receive the support needed for a timely and successful return to the community. The young men who are brought to the facility are offered the possibility of working with volunteers to plan for release back into their communities. The program helps with the basics of life on the outside: education, home, work, treatment programs and other considerations when planning for parole. The process is collaborative with the Division of Parole and the facility Parole Officer.

Inmate Locator

Juvenile facilities overseen by the State of New York do not publish the names of the offenders housed in their facility. As such, there is no public forum for this information.

Visitation Information

NY DJJOY - MacCormick Secure Center - Visitation

Families are vital to the treatment/rehabilitation process and are encouraged to visit on weekends. Special arrangements are made for weekday visits as needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

NY DJJOY - MacCormick Secure Center - FAQs about Juvenile Detention Centers

  1. What is a juvenile detention center?
    A juvenile detention center is a secure facility designed to house minors who have been arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime. Unlike adult jails, these centers focus on rehabilitation, education, and structured supervision. Youth housed in these facilities may be awaiting trial, serving short-term sentences, or completing mandated treatment programs aimed at reducing delinquent behavior.

  2. How does a juvenile detention center differ from an adult jail?
    Juvenile detention centers differ from adult jails in their approach to discipline, rehabilitation, and environment. They prioritize counseling, education, and structured activities over punitive measures. While adult jails emphasize punishment and security, juvenile facilities are designed to address the root causes of delinquent behavior, such as trauma, lack of parental guidance, or substance abuse issues.

  3. Who can be sent to a juvenile detention center?
    Juvenile detention centers house minors under 18 who have been arrested for criminal activity, ranging from status offenses (such as truancy or curfew violations) to serious felonies like robbery or assault. Some youth may also be placed in detention for violating probation, running away from court-mandated programs, or awaiting transfer to another facility.

  4. What types of offenses lead to juvenile detention?
    Youth may be detained for a variety of offenses, including property crimes (theft, vandalism), drug-related offenses, assault, gang activity, or firearm possession. In some cases, juveniles are detained for non-criminal behavior, such as repeatedly skipping school or running away from home. The severity of the offense, prior record, and risk level typically determine whether a juvenile is detained or placed in an alternative program.

  5. How long do juveniles stay in detention centers?
    The length of stay depends on the case. Some juveniles are held for a few days or weeks while awaiting trial, while others may serve months or years depending on their sentence. Youth placed in long-term detention typically participate in rehabilitation programs, educational courses, and mental health counseling. Courts may also mandate step-down programs, where youth transition into community-based supervision before full release.

  6. Are juvenile records sealed after release?
    In many states, juvenile records are sealed or expunged once the individual reaches adulthood, provided they meet certain conditions. However, serious offenses such as violent felonies or sex crimes may remain on record, potentially affecting future employment, housing, and educational opportunities. In some cases, a juvenile may petition the court to have their record expunged after demonstrating rehabilitation.

  7. Do juveniles in detention attend school?
    Yes, most juvenile detention centers provide on-site educational programs that allow youth to continue their schooling while in custody. These programs may include core academic subjects, GED preparation, and vocational training. Some facilities work with local school districts to ensure that credits earned in detention transfer back to public schools upon release.

  8. Can family members visit juveniles in detention?
    Yes, but visitation policies vary by facility. Families typically need to schedule visits in advance, follow strict security protocols, and comply with dress code regulations. Some detention centers offer video visitation or family counseling sessions to strengthen relationships before the juvenile is released. Regular contact with family members can significantly reduce recidivism and improve rehabilitation outcomes.

  9. Are juveniles allowed to make phone calls?
    Most juvenile detention centers allow monitored phone calls, though the frequency and duration depend on facility rules, the youth’s behavior, and their case status. In some cases, juveniles may call only pre-approved family members or legal representatives. Facilities may also restrict calls if an inmate violates behavioral rules.

  10. What rehabilitation programs are available?
    Programs often include substance abuse counseling, anger management, cognitive-behavioral therapy, vocational training, and life skills workshops. These services are intended to help juveniles develop positive coping mechanisms, make better decisions, and reintegrate into their communities upon release. Some centers also offer mentorship programs where at-risk youth receive guidance from former inmates or community leaders.

  11. Are juveniles placed in solitary confinement?
    While some facilities still use room confinement or restricted housing as disciplinary measures, prolonged solitary confinement for juveniles is widely discouraged due to its negative psychological effects. Many states have passed laws limiting or banning solitary confinement for minors, encouraging the use of alternative discipline methods such as behavioral interventions and conflict resolution programs.

  12. Can juveniles be transferred to adult prison?
    In some cases, juveniles may be tried as adults for severe offenses, such as murder, armed robbery, or sexual assault. If convicted, they can be transferred to adult prison upon turning 18. Some states allow judges to reconsider these transfers based on the juvenile’s rehabilitation progress, age, and psychological evaluations.

  13. What rights do juveniles have in detention?
    Juveniles have the right to education, medical care, legal representation, and protection from abuse. They are also entitled to due process, meaning they cannot be detained indefinitely without a hearing. Inmates must be provided with access to rehabilitative services and fair treatment under the law. Any allegations of abuse or mistreatment must be investigated by oversight agencies.

  14. How do juveniles reintegrate into society after detention?
    Many juvenile detention centers offer reentry programs, including mentorship, transitional housing, probation supervision, and vocational training. Youth are often connected with caseworkers, social services, and education programs to help them successfully reintegrate. Some facilities also arrange family reunification counseling to strengthen support systems at home.

  15. What happens if a juvenile violates probation after release?
    If a juvenile violates probation, consequences can range from increased supervision and mandatory counseling to community service or re-detention. In severe cases, the juvenile may be returned to detention or sent to a more restrictive program. Courts typically evaluate the circumstances of the violation, the individual’s progress, and any external factors before making a decision.

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